And then there were four. The 2016 Copa America is now down to the semifinal stage, with the U.S.A. facing an uphill battle against mighty Argentina and a sizzling hot Chile taking on the ever dangerous Cafeteros of Colombia. Let’s take a quick look at both of those semifinal matchups below, and make a bold prediction as to how each one will play out.
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The U.S. men’s national team will be in one tough spot in the semifinals. Not only will they have to go up against the best, most talented team in the tournament – Argentina – but they’ll have to do so without three of their starters. Midfielders Jermaine Jones and Alejandro Bedoya as well as forward Bobby Wood will all miss out due to suspension.
The USMNT’s defense led by standout performer John Brooks has been solid thus far in the tournament, and the addition of veteran Kyle Beckerman – Jones’ likely replacement in midfield – will make that defense even tougher to break down.
But if any team can break them down, it’s the Albiceleste, who have scored 14 goals in four games – all wins – at the Copa thus far. Superstar Lionel Messi is back to top form after playing a part in three of the team’s four goals in their 4-1 quarterfinal win over Venezuela.
And with dangerous weapons like Gonzalo Higuain, Erik Lamela, Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Lavezzi all surrounding the best player in the world, it’s hard to see any team completely keeping them out, much less a team that will be missing some key personnel.
Writer’s Prediction: Argentina has too many weapons for the undermanned U.S. Argentina (-240) wins, 3-1.
Chile will enter the semifinals fresh off the highest of highs. La Roja were simply on fire in their 7-0 quarterfinal win over Mexico. Their speed and tremendous pressing simply overwhelmed a Mexican team that had gone 22 games unbeaten.
However, Chile will be without a key weapon in the semifinals after star midfielder Arturo Vidal picked up a second yellow card, which means an automatic suspension. Vidal is a crucial part of the team’s pressing style, and will definitely be missed.
But even without Vidal, La Roja still have the firepower to expose the Colombians’ defensive issues. Eduard Vargas has sparked into life with six goals in his last two games, while Alexis Sanchez has chipped in with three goals of his own.
Meanwhile, Los Cafeteros needed penalties in order to get past Peru in the quarterfinals, and have now failed to win their last two Copa games in 90 minutes. James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and Carlos Bacca are all potential game-winners capable of making plays and breaking down a suspect Chile defense, but none have had a great tournament thus far.
Chile just has the more in-form stars at the moment, and even without Vidal, that could be the difference in what will likely be an evenly-matched game between familiar foes.
Writer’s Prediction: Chile’s (+140) stars shine brighter on the day as La Roja edge out Colombia, 2-1.
